possibility

[pos-uh-bil-i-tee]

noun

plural

possibilities 

1. the state or fact of being possible.

   the possibility of error.

   Synonyms: odds, likelihood, prospect, chance

2. something possible.

   He had exhausted every possibility but one.

possibility

/ ˌpɒsɪˈbɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or condition of being possible

2. anything that is possible

3. a competitor, candidate, etc, who has a moderately good chance of winning, being chosen, etc

4. (often plural) a future prospect or potential

   my new house has great possibilities

Word History and Origins

Origin of possibility¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English possibilite, from Late Latin possibilitās, from Latin possibil(is) possible + -itās -ity

Example Sentences

"There's a possibility the authorities will use this measure for other goals apart from fighting drones," he tells the BBC.

From BBC

To which I might reply, “Is that a problem or a possibility?”

From Los Angeles Times

“When you’re young, you think you’re going to be the first human being not to die and you’ll live forever. Then you have to start acknowledging that death is a possibility.”

From Los Angeles Times

"I have never ruled out the possibility of such a meeting. But is there any point? Let's see," Putin said in Beijing.

From BBC

Lyster said the possibility of expanding the Disneyland monorail has not come up in “recent discussions,” since the newer options might turn out to be environmentally friendlier and less costly.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• action 
• circumstance 
• hazard 
• hope 
• incident 
• opportunity 
• probability 
• prospect 
• risk